Learning Dutch in Amsterdam

Start learning Dutch

Learning Dutch helps you feel more at home, integrate into a Dutch workplace and widen your social circle. In the Amsterdam Area, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to Dutch language courses. Aside from that, the City of Amsterdam offers a variety of courses to improve your Dutch and to help you get acquainted with living in Amsterdam. These courses are primarily free of charge, but not everyone is eligible. Find out more about free Dutch classes provided by the City of Amsterdam here.

In this roundup, you will find a variety of resources that are accessible to all, from free websites to language cafes.

Official Dutch examinations

The Dutch government has developed an examination system known as Het Staatsexamen NT2 (the State Exam for Dutch as a Second Language). It assesses proficiency in reading, writing, listening and speaking and consists of two levels: Programme I (B1) and Programme II (B2). Upon passing both programmes in all skills, you attain the Diploma Staatsexamen NT2, which is recognised throughout the Netherlands to demonstrate your level of Dutch language proficiency. The diploma is required for various causes, such as university admission, job opportunities or as part of the Civic Integration process for immigrants. The certificate does not expire.

If you are participating in Civic Integration (inburgeren), you can use the NT2 diploma to fulfil the language requirements of the Civic Integration Exam. Depending on your situation, there are different learning tracks with different language proficiency level requirements. Some Civic Integration tracks have lower language level requirements than the NT2 diploma.

Dutch language schools that are partners of IN Amsterdam

• Alliance Française Amsterdam – A cultural centre that specialises in teaching French and Dutch as a foreign language to an international audience for all levels and ages.
• Dutch Courses Amsterdam – Expect small groups of a maximum of six students and a variety of courses, including private and online options.
• INTT (Institute for Dutch Language Education at the University of Amsterdam) – Choose from a wide range of courses, including preparation courses for the NT2 exam.
• Flowently – Offering language classes with a strong focus on practical and social conversation skills.
• Katakura – Katakura offers different combinations of times, dates and intensity levels and holds courses at two locations.
• KERN Global Language Services – KERN provides a broad spectrum of language solutions, including certified and specialist translations, and it also offers language classes and training.
• Language Institute Regina Coeli – Located approximately an hour outside of Amsterdam, Regina Coeli has a proud history of intensive week-long Dutch courses designed by ‘the nuns of Vught’.
• Taalhuis Amsterdam – Located in the heart of Amsterdam, this language school offers group courses, private training and tailored in-company workshops.
• Taalthuis – Students can follow courses at different levels, online or face-to-face in small groups. 
• Talencoach – This language school has a strong focus on making language classes fun and enjoyable.
• UvA Talen – The University of Amsterdam’s language centre offers courses to students, staff and graduates, but also to internationals that are not connected to the university.
• Volksuniversiteit – an adult education centre in Amsterdam’s city centre that has more than 100 years of experience in teaching Dutch to speakers of other languages.
• VU-NT2 – The language institute of Amsterdam’s Vrije Universiteit offers daytime and evening Dutch classes that prepare participants for the NT2 exam. The classes are intended for those with secondary education, but no connection to the university is necessary.

Find a private tutor

If you prefer a one-on-one approach to learning Dutch or want to speed the process along, a private tutor might be the solution for you.Many of the organisations listed above, such as Flowently, offer private lessons in addition to group classes. Alternatively, agencies such as Dutch Ready have been established to match students with tutors for lessons in person or online. The high level of English proficiency in the Netherlands means that everyone is a potential tutor – even sites like Marktplaats are worth exploring if you prefer a less structured set-up than a typical course. 

Free resources for learning Dutch

• The City of Amsterdam offers support to all who seek to learn Dutch. Support is available through the Taalwijzer (language guide system), which includes a list of available information points across different neighbourhoods (page in Dutch). You can walk in at the specified opening hours for a free consultation on available opportunities to learn Dutch.
• Leef en Leer! is a project by the OBA public library and the City of Amsterdam intended to combat low literacy and introduce new skills. While the website is in Dutch, if you browse the 'Ik will leren' panel in the menu and filter for 'Taal' on the left, you will see all available Dutch classes of various levels and locations. Look out for the Taalcafé (‘language café’) option, where volunteers provide an opportunity to talk to native Dutch speakers for free.
• Jekuntmeer.nl is an initiative that offers the chance to learn new skills through neighbourhood initiatives such as Taalcafés and Dutch lessons hosted through partners and volunteers. The website is available in Dutch and you will find a mix of activities and courses outside of language training when you click on ‘leren’.

Online resources to learn Dutch

In addition to popular language-learning apps such as Duolingo and Babbel, there are a number of online resources specifically for the Dutch language.

The following YouTube channels offer free lessons and guides for Dutch learners:

• Learn Dutch with DutchPod101.com
• Learn Dutch with Bart de Pau
• Dutchies to be – Learn Dutch with Kim

Guides to Dutch grammar:

• Dutchgrammar.com has various printable resources, grammar rules, podcasts and word lists to keep you on track.
• The Dutch Online Academy offers free Dutch grammar exercises varied by level and topic, as well as a newsletter for self-study.
• Beter Spellen is a resource that helps improve your spelling. Take daily quizzes and improve your knowledge of the Dutch language.

Learn Dutch through language podcasts and resources:

• 5-minuten Nederlands is a podcast intended for people with B1+ level Dutch, who want to broaden their language and cultural knowledge.
• Een Beetje Nederlands doesn’t focus on grammar as much as topics such as culture, history and notable Dutch personalities. There are transcripts of the episodes available.
• Nieuws in Makkelijk Nederlands is a weekly podcast featuring a round-up of the latest news in a simplified manner.
• NOS Nieuws van de Week is an easy-to-understand summary of the weekly news, made more accessible for all. You can watch the episodes on YouTube or check for the scheduled appearance of the segment on regional TV here.
• Huisje Boompje Beestje is an educational programme about nature, technology and the environment. It is intended for children aged 6 to 9 years and is easy to follow for new learners.

Useful links

• How to choose a tutor for private Dutch lessons
• How to learn Dutch when your office speaks English
• Are you having fun learning Dutch?
• How to make sure in-company Dutch courses work for businesses and employees